Here’s How to Arrange a Meeting With the Dalai Lama That Goes Better Than Lady Gaga’s

Lady Gaga has changed a lot over the years and has been stepping out looking very zen lately indeed in comparison — in fact, she even met with the Dalai Lama. Only problem is China was not cool with it at all — banning her and her music from the country altogether. (Womp womp.)

The pair met in Indianapolis before a conference and filmed a video of their 19-minute chat. Lady Gaga said on her Facebook page they talked about the “power of kindness and how to make the world a more compassionate place."

Well, here's why China had something to say about it: The country invaded Tibet, and in 1959 His Holiness the Dalai Lama escaped to India where he still lives in exile with many other Tibetans. China has since claimed Tibet as part of the country, and has banned people in China from even saying the Dalai Lama’s name. (If you ever came across a "Free Tibet" bumper sticker, now you know why.)

Just after the meeting, the propaganda department in China issued instructions to ban Lady Gaga and her music entirely. Websites and media were ordered to stop using her tunes online or promoting her.

Lady Gaga isn’t the only one getting China cranky: President Obama and Maroon 5 have met the Dalai Lama and China hasn’t taken kindly to them either.

So what to do if you want to meet the Dalai Lama yourself? Well, you can do so in India throughout the year in his new home of McLeod Ganj, a hilltop town in the Himalaya Mountains. He travels the world teaching as well, so you have to check his website to see his schedule.

The most important step toward making your meeting with the Dalai Lama to go better than Lady Gaga’s? Don’t be famous.

The fact is, us non-famous folks are not deemed important enough for China to ban us, and people gather in groups of 1,000 or more at least a couple times a month to listen to his teachings.

It’s free, it’s enlightening, and worth knowing this may be the last Dalai Lama you can learn from — as he has said the tradition will stop once he passes away. (He is the 14th reincarnation.)

He speaks Tibetan when he does his lessons and he never stops smiling. You’ll want to take a radio where you can listen to the translated version that plays as he talks. There’s also tight security so you’ll need a passport and in some places a two-by-two-inch image of yourself. Here’s a more detailed list of tips from this author herself!

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